Independence Day
July 4, 2018
Independent:
Not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction, autonomous, free
Not relying on another or others for aid or support
Not influenced or controlled by others in matters of opinion, conduct, etc. thinking or acting for oneself.
On this, Independence Day, July 4th I cannot help but think of babies and their parents. There is such a cultural push to have babies become independent. There seems to be a fear of babies being too dependent on their parents. I hear the words “needy” “bad habits” “spoiled” bandied about in reference to babies’needs. But that is what they are: NEEDS.
Babies need to be held and fed and spoken to and socialized. They are not ready to be independent until at the earliest 18 years old.
Routine and structure are important but separation or rejection is not healthy. If you meet your baby’s dependency needs they will grow independent in time.
mamamilkandme 